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rstones12

Posted 20 June 2005 - 07:06 PM

rstones12

Malware Expert

Retired Staff

3,731 posts

Berullium,

Anti-virus programs take up an enormous amount of your computer's resources when they are actively scanning your computer. Having two anti-virus programs running at the same time can cause your computer to run very slow, become unstable and even, in rare cases, crash.

If you choose to install more than one antivirus program on your computer, then only one of them should be active in memory at a time.

There are basically two types of these programs:On-Access and On-Demand

On-Access ScannersAs the name implies, it runs in the background all the time the PC is turned on and running. The main function of an on-access scanner is to monitor activity on your machine.

On-Demand ScannersAs the name implies, are scanners that only run when you ask them to.Such as:Online Scans and scanners that run on your machine but are not actively scanning your machine.

rstones12

Posted 22 June 2005 - 09:46 AM

rstones12

Malware Expert

Retired Staff

3,731 posts

Berullium,Your HJT log looks good, nice job...

Here are some items that you will want to add to your to-do list:

These are some tips to reduce the potential for Spyware/Adware/Virus infection in the future:I would strongly recommend reviewing and installing the following applications if you dont currently have them running on your system:

Use Anti-Virus SoftwareIt is very important that your computer has Anti-Virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future.See this link for a listing of some online and stand-alone Anti-Virus programs:Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources

Update your AntiVirus SoftwareIt is imperitive that you update your Anti-Virus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your Anti-Virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

Use a FirewallI can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.

IE/Spyad -- IE/Spyad places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.

MVPS Hosts File -- The MVPS Hosts File replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.

Google Toolbar -- Get the free Google Toolbar to help stop pop up windows.

Other Necessary Programs:

A More Secure Browser
Internet Explorer is not the most secure and best browser.
There are safer and better alternatives available. I recommend using Firefox

Update all these Programs Regularly:Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released. Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.Thanks,rstones12

Berullium

Posted 22 June 2005 - 12:39 PM

Berullium

Member

Topic Starter

Member

13 posts

Well then. Thank you for your help. This is a very good website I must say. I'm just about to install XP service pack 2 now that my PC seems relativaly clean. I hope that all these programs I downloaded will help stop future infections. Thanks, Conor.